1) Why are you running?
I recently retired after 35 years working for the Municipality of West Grey in a variety of administrative roles in Public Works. Customer Service was a significant part of my duties. I missed that connection with the public so I decided to run for Councillor for the upcoming election as I strongly feel my experience with public service and the passion I have for people and my community will represent West Grey well.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
While the level of municipal government does not have the funding on supporting lower income residents directly, I feel we can support all residents by supporting with a variety of social opportunities in the community. Sports, camps, and other extra circulator activities can be expensive, and no child should be left out. I would encourage continued volunteer work and social clubs to provide community events, and the funding raised from these events could offset the cost for the various activities for our youth. The County of Grey provides social assistance in conjunction with the Municipality of West Grey. To continue supporting our agriculture; working together to help farms and their food businesses prosper; providing food for our local community.
The Municipality of West Grey provide communication on the website and other social media regarding “Foodbanks”; providing information where they are located and the days and hours of operation. Invite the public or private sector for donations to provide the lower income with the daily necessities for food, toiletries, etc. Volunteers and Social Clubs could also hold fundraising events to help with the cause at the local foodbanks. While attending to the public in past years it was brought to my attention on materials brought into the landfill sites in good condition (furniture, appliances; dishes, etc.). Perhaps an empty store could be utilized for the public to take these items in good condition for the lower income to utilize if it is needed in their household; or perhaps we could work with the food bank to incorporate these items into their worthy cause. Also reach out and find resources for “Meals on Wheels” or other prepared meals for our Senior citizens needs that were available pre-covid.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
I feel we need to reach out to the community through social interaction and their ideas, relationships and partnerships can be achieved. We also need to attract the local public and tourists by communicating their retail on the West Grey website and social media providing information where to find them, their days, and hours of operation. To attract new business, we need to enhance our downtown core to make it more curb appealing. Also, the Municipality needs to work together with the BIA and volunteers on all downtown cores with seasonal enhancements. Other funding alternatives to first time business owners may be available through County, or Provincial specific requests and perhaps the Municipality could provide some incentives. Continue to enhance the current Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and internet services.
4) Do you think a municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
I feel the Municipality continues to play a role in conjunction with the County and Provincial regulations and the guidelines and funding provided by them. The Municipality can set up reserves for Health Care in their budget for future needs to facilitate the growth in West Grey. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the municipalities Emergency Control Group (ECG) administered to the regulations set by the County and the Province to ensure the safety of West Grey’s citizens was addressed.
5) What is your vision for the future of police services in West Grey?
I support the West Grey Police Services. They are accountable and provide ongoing public safety to the residents of West Grey. The costing for policing is currently being reviewed. Keep in mind changing to another policing service is not always better as experience has implied that saving today ends up costing more in future years with less service. We need to focus on new infrastructure requirements to accommodate the police service.
6) What issue do you believe is a top priority for West Grey to tackle during the next term?
I believe infrastructure needs to be addressed, setting up a 5-year plan for roads, bridges and any other departmental projects needing replacement or enhancement and enforcing that plan. Once the plan is put in place, apply for applicable funding applications well in advance to accommodate timelines specific to the project.